Andrew Nicholson and Swallow Springs are in fourth spot after a challenging cross country day in the CCI3* at the Bramham International Horse Trials in the UK.

The Kiwi added just 1.6 time penalties to his dressage score, to finish the day on 28 penalty points. Julia Krajewski (GER) was the queen of cool aboard Chipmunk FRH, coming home clear and inside time to hold their lead at the front of the field on 19.4.

Dan Jocelyn was clear aboard Blackthorn Cruise, adding 14.4 time penalties to sit on 47.2 in 33rd, while Nicholson and Yacabo BK, making his first run at this level, picked up 20 mid field and time to finish the day on 78.6 in 46th.

As predicted, Ian Stark’s cross country course proved every bit the challenge expected. There were plenty of clear rounds, but only 10 were inside time. There were nine eliminations, eight retirements and one withdrawal.

The showjumping for the CCI3* gets underway at 12.25pm UK time.

In the CIC3* James Avery and Optimus Prime finished on 32 penalty points in 32nd, after a costly showjumping round. The class was won for the second time on the trot by Izzy Taylor (GBR) aboard Be Touchable on 28.5. The showjumping really gave the field a shake up with just 19 of 77 combinations going clear and inside time. The cross country also played its part, with one retirement, 10 eliminations and nine withdrawals. Of the 57 who did get around, just four were clear and inside time.